San Francisco Bay Area

Stay Cool and Protected: The Climate Benefits of Window Film

February 28, 2025 by Carol S Leave a Comment

By now, everyone has heard about climate change, and probably experienced it personally. Summers are hotter, glaciers are melting, and we’re all feeling more than a little uncomfortable with what’s happening climate-wise, aren’t we? So if you work inside a building, live inside another building, and visit friends in buildings, is there anything you can do? Yes there is! And we’re so glad you asked.

Sunglasses for your home

Having window film on your windows is like having sunglasses on your home! By that we mean that it filters out the UV rays that can damage your skin, your eyes, and your personal belongings. UV rays can cause skin cancer, too, which is why it’s so highly recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Just like when you put window film on your vehicle, window film on your home can give you a more zen experience! For those of you with sensory overload, you know what we mean. With the sun getting stronger and more intense with every passing summer, you can get the climate benefits of window film now and into the future.

Keeps temperatures more even

When your A/C and thermostats stay on an even keel, you use less energy. So you’ll stay cooler and more protected during those intense summer days that are getting hotter each year! You don’t have to just read about it–you can actually do something about it. And that holds true whether you’re a homeowner or a facilities manager. We’ve written about energy savings before and you might like: Energy Savings for Springtime. Although the temperature might not be too hot right now, we get very busy during the summer months, so it’s best to book ASAP.

Saves energy which protects the planet

Protecting the planet is a big deal for us, and probably for you, too! After all, as they say, there is no Planet B! This is all we’ve got. When you use less energy, the planet breathes a sigh of relief–metaphorically, that is. Speaking of protecting the planet, did you know that window film can also protect birds from hitting your windows? We’ve written about that before here: Can Technology Save Billions of Birds with Window Film? You probably already know the answer to that question if you’ve been reading our blog posts, right? If you can keep cool and also protect the birds, that’s at least a double win!

Ready to stay cool, protected, and garner some climate benefits?

You can fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some window film. Give us a call and we can steer you into the right choice, and keep you and your local feathered friends safe from climate change. We’d love to help you choose the best film. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the San Mateo Peninsula and Marin–and have expanded into southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Ten Ways to Get Organized Right Now

January 15, 2025 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Do you really really need to get organized right now? You bet you do! We all do, right? You’ve all seen those articles about how you need to get organized, but you have to get a bunch of equipment, or hire someone, or do something silly to get there. So stop playing that video game for a minute and listen up! We’re here to help!

Choose an area to organize

This might be your break room, office, or kitchen. Choose the area that bothers you the most–that way you’ll see the most progress and have the most momentum. If you’re also thinking of changing the color of your home or office, you might want to revisit: What Happened to Those Color of the Year Predictions? But don’t get sidetracked with thoughts of color palettes just yet.

Make that area small enough

If organizing an entire room is overwhelming, make it smaller. After all, you eat an elephant one bite at a time, or so the saying goes. So instead of an entire room, make it a drawer. Or one shelf in a bookshelf. You might want to get some inspiration from a place like This Old House (How to Organize Tool Storage Drawers).

Don’t procrastinate

You can do anything for 15 minutes, and when you’re done, you’ll feel better. So get started and don’t give yourself time to make excuses. Don’t overthink it because it’s not rocket science! If you’re still stuck, here’s Harvard Business Review’s article on procrastination. And how to overcome it. But again, don’t go down any rabbit holes. We’re here to organize!

Be ruthless

Keep in mind that if you have any doubts about whether to toss something, throw it out. Think about times you’ve organized in the past and whether you ever missed any of the stuff you got rid of. Well, maybe don’t throw out that original Stradivarius violin just yet. But seriously–you’re not going to miss 99.99% of what you recycle.

Make labels

Some ideas for labels are: TOSS, KEEP, RECYCLE, and GIVE AWAY. You can use Post-it notes or big sheets of paper. They don’t have to look beautiful! Put these on bags or boxes so you can see what’s going where.

Get the right tools but don’t let it stop you

You may need baskets, file folders, or markers later, but don’t let that stop you from organizing. Getting started is your key to success. You can always pick up the perfect tools later, once you’ve built some momentum.

Put your stuff in piles

Sort through the area you decided on and put everything in one of the labelled piles. Make more labels if you need more. Don’t make it too complicated! Set an alarm for 15 minutes if that helps you. Now sort everything.

Immediately move it out

Once you’ve sorted your area, get that stuff out of there! Toss it, recycle it, give it away, or whatever. Do not crack open that champagne until the stuff is out of the office or house. Piling it next to the front door doesn’t count! Put it in the car and take it away!

Don’t look back

Unless it’s a valuable family heirloom, chances are you can replace it if you need it later. If you need help getting rid of heirlooms, you might want to hire a Professional Organizer. Or get a neighborhood kid to help you organize and take things away.

Plan your next session

Does getting organized feel good? You bet it does! So don’t lose that momentum. Put another organizing session on your calendar. Do it right now! That’s all there is to it.

Can window film help you be more organized?

Yes, it can! Window film helps remove clutter. Give us a call and we can steer you into the right choice. We’d love to help you choose the best film for your home or building. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the San Mateo Peninsula and Marin–and have expanded into southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Avoid Extreme Heat: Five Ways

July 15, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Climate change is here, and with it, extreme heat. Learn how to avoid extreme heat and make your home or office more resilient to climate change. As Bob Villa says in his article Making Your Home More Resilient Can Boost Your Peace of Mind, “according to Realtor.com, 44.8 percent of homes in the United States are at risk of potentially serious damage from flooding, wind, wildfires, and other climate-related events.” Making sure you know how to avoid extreme heat is critical during these extra-hot days.

Insulation protects you against heat and cold

Not only does insulation help to lower your power bills, it protects you against extreme temperatures. And doesn’t it seem that every other day there are extreme temperatures somewhere? Even in San Francisco, where we typically are protected against extremes because of our naturally-occurring fog, we sometimes get very hot days. There are many more benefits of insulation, as the National Insulation Association outlines (did you know about its return on investment?).

Leaks around windows and doors

It’s better to check for air and water leaks around your windows and doors when the weather is good and not when there’s an extreme weather event. The Department of Energy has some excellent and simple ways you can check for leaks. For example, wiggling your doors tells you that there might be an air leak. (They didn’t use the word wiggling, but they really should!). Some leaks are really obvious. If your hat blows off when you’re next to a (closed) door, that could be a clue. Other leaks are sneakier. Air leaks can occur around switch plates or air conditioners. So get your caulk guns ready!

Energy Assessment

If you’re able to check your own home for energy leaks and where you might need to improve it, would you? You could either do it yourself (see the Department of Energy for its how-to article) or hire someone who might be more discerning and have more experience. With an energy assessment, you can check sealing gaps, determine your level of insulation, and much more. If your home is an older one, it’s likely that there are more energy-efficient choices available.

Better windows

Double-pane or even triple-pane windows can certainly help to prevent extreme heat. And those windows can also keep out the noise, too. If you live in a crowded city, or on a busy street, those noises and that heat can keep you awake at night. Is better sleep a priority for you? Then an investment in better windows might be just the ticket.

Window film

You knew we were going to talk about window film, didn’t you? Your family and your employees will thank you if you use window film to guard against extreme heat. We’ve discussed how window film reduces heat before: Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film. We work with 3M and their wonderful window film often, and we can tell you about what we have learned.

Avoid extreme heat anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area

Have questions about heat reduction and window film? Give us a call and we’ll give you some ideas! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your overheated home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin–and beyond! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Lower Your Power Bills this Summer: 5 Easy Ways

June 27, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’ve all heard of different ways to lower your power bills in the summer, but don’t some of them include ridiculous and weird tasks, such as covering your windows in styrofoam? Or even more ridiculous? Not wearing clothes! Sure, walking around naked all summer may keep you cooler, but we’re talking about ways that won’t embarrass you that way. Everyone wants to lower their power bills, right? If that’s you, then here are some ideas that won’t embarrass you or your mom or result in calls to the police.

Turn up the thermostat

Yes, turning up your thermostat even one or two degrees can make a big difference in your power bill. And if you’re at work during the day, this method is even easier. Of course, in the winter, you’ll want to turn your thermostat down. Naturally, you might also consider a programmable thermostat that could reduce the temperature while you’re away from home.

Run big appliances at off hours

Does your power company have peak hours? When you run an appliance you are essentially buying power from your power company. In our case (San Francisco), peak hours are from 4:00 – 9:00 pm. So if you run the dishwasher, washing machine, etc. at other times, you’ll spend less. CNet has a good explanation of peak hours if you want to know more: Peak and Off-Peak Energy Explainer.

Use energy-star appliances (or maintain your old appliances)

Make sure your furnace and large appliances are kept clean and maintained regularly. If you don’t know when the last time your furnace was cleaned, maybe it’s time to start a house journal. We’ve written about energy efficiency before. Well, actually, we had Tim Meredith, an eco-conscious writer, write the guest blog post. You might like Ways to Make a Home More Energy Efficient.

Get an energy audit

Does your power company offer a free audit? If so, take advantage of it so that you can see where your energy dollar is being spent. There are also professional energy assessors. See this post from the Department of Energy: Professional Home Energy Assessments. An energy assessment can tell you where your home might have a leaky door or window.

Window film

You knew we were going to talk about window film, didn’t you? When you install window film, a single-pane window acts like a double-pane window, and a double-pane window becomes like a triple-pane window. So your indoor temperature evens out, you’re more comfortable, and you spend less on that energy bill. Window film can be energy efficient as well as beautiful. You might like our article about Wabi-Sabi.

We work all over the San Francisco Bay Area

Have questions about window film? Give us a call and we’ll walk you through some ideas! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your energy-efficient home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin–and beyond! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Use Window Film for Wabi-Sabi Living

June 12, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’ve heard of wabi-sabi a lot lately, but did you know that window film can help you achieve the wabi-sabi lifestyle? If you have no idea about what we’re talking about, read on.

Define wabi-sabi

In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. In other words, that heirloom piece that you might have otherwise thrown away, but fixed? That is the perfect embodiment of wabi-sabi. For instance, I have a Buddha statue that belonged to my mother, but it was badly chipped. When I repainted it gold, it came back to life. You can do the same with something of yours. One definition of wabi-sabi that is particularly wonderful is something that becomes more beautiful as it ages.

The art of imperfection

We’re not saying that you need to use torn or bubbly window film in order to perfect the art of imperfection. You can have a combination of the perfect along with the imperfect. And you might like us to install your window film for you just so you can have that contrast. Here are a few reasons you might like to have us install your window film.

Beauty is imperfect

That branch from your yard that you use to hang ornaments on every Christmas? That is wabi-sabi. So is the flower with a missing petal, or the photo of that bird with a slightly ruffled wing. It’s imperfect and maybe even more beautiful because of its imperfection. Nothing in nature looks like A/I–or if it does, it becomes…suspicious!

Create a sanctuary

You could go on an expensive vacation, or you could create a sanctuary at home every day. Those people who work at home might appreciate the idea of a sanctuary even more than people who work every day in an office. Of course, you could also use a little wabi-sabi in your office.

Use what you have

Window film can help create a blank or colored canvas for you to set your design against. When you have lots of drapes or window coverings on your windows, your design can get lost. We’ve written about how window film can help you create a clutter-free environment before. So create a clean space as a background, then use what you already have to make a perfect space. We particularly like 3M window film since it can be used in so many ways.

Harmonize your space

When your space is harmonized, you feel calmer and — not to be too woo-woo about it — more zen. Your life won’t be perfect, but then again, if you feel calmer maybe your life will turn around. Maybe you’ll even be able to deal with those weird neighbors without yelling. Who knows?

We wabi-sabi all over the San Francisco Bay Area

Did you know that wabi-sabi is a verb? If not, give us a call and we’ll tell you all about it! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your wabi-sabi design. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Do You Really Need Window Film? Top Reasons You Do

May 15, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You already know about window film on cars and how it protects you from UV rays, but do you really need window film for your home and business? Let us tell you all the reasons you need it! It will only take a couple of minutes–pinky promise!

Your skin will thank you

Have you ever heard that saying Do something today that your future self will thank you for? No? Well, now you have! Skin damage is cumulative, which means that the slate is not wiped clean every night. Skin damage builds up over time, so what you do now will affect your skin for the rest of your darn life! Being exposed to UV rays (yes, even inside your home or office) can damage your skin. We’ve discussed this before, and you can check the Skin Cancer Foundation for their article: How much do you know about this sun protection strategy?

Protect your furnishings

Just like your skin, your rugs, furniture, and hardwood floors can be affected by the sun. We all have that one friend who lives in that sunny condo, but the floors have been bleached and their couch cushions look funny from being in the sun.

Provide privacy

If your neighbors are a little too close for comfort, why not put up some window film to get more privacy? People don’t have to know every time you are having a party! Although some people don’t seem to have enough going on, and are super nosy! We can advise you on the best choices for you and your neighborhood.

Like sunglasses for your house

Do you wear sunglasses indoors–and not just to look cool? We know people who do because the sun blasts through a window and they can’t see anything otherwise. Even some businesses have this issue. So protect yourself from glare with a little window film. By the way, you don’t have to put film on every single window. You can do a partial window, or even just one window.

Better energy efficiency

With window film, you can make your temperatures more even between the seasons. That means warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Sounds luxurious, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! And with energy bills going up by the minute, it seems, why not take steps now to reduce your energy bill?

Reduces clutter

One of our favorite ways to reduce dust bunnies caused by excessive curtains and window coverings is window film. It’s clean and doesn’t collect dust. If you insist on collecting Disney cookie jars, though, we can’t help you. We recently wrote about reducing clutter.

Where to start with window film?

We know you’ve got questions! Call us and we’ll answer your questions or find someone who knows! Our CEO of Why You Need Window Film is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Protect Your Skin: Seven Best Ways

April 29, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Spring is here and people are spending more time outdoors, so here are the best ways to protect your skin. Even if you’re working indoors, most people are spending more time near the windows once the weather warms up.

Protect your skin with UV-blocking window film

UV rays can damage your skin and that damaged skin is nearly impossible to repair once it’s damaged. Did you know that UV damage is cumulative? So you don’t reset the clock each time you go outside! UV-blocking window film can help protect your against sun damage indoors, especially as people spend more time near windows in sunny weather. We’re big fans of Prestige window film (ask us for details).

Bring back big hats

Back in the day, not so very long ago, people wore big hats. They wore them to Easter service, to the beach, to baseball games, and so on. Big hats are not just a fashion accessory–they protect your sensitive skin! So even if your friends don’t want to wear big hats, there’s no reason you shouldn’t! But don’t dispair–Fashionista says that big hats are in for 2024!

And giant sunglasses

We’re also in favor of ginormous sunglasses to protect your eyes. Big sunglasses go along with big hats. Don’t damage your eyes or skin by having naked eyes! The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends “shades that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light.”

Clothing that blocks radiation

There are now so many choices in clothing with built-in skin protection. More and more companies are coming up with better-looking choices, too. If you’re a golfer, check out Callaway Apparel’s weather series. Denali Performance has products with UPF 50+ with shirts (check out the Trophy Bones collection–awesome!). And SwimZip has many stylish swimwear choices. By the way, we’re not affiliates of any of these companies!

Patio umbrellas

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you can also get patio umbrellas with sun protection. There are beach umbrellas, pop-up tents, as well as canopies to protect your skin. By the way, you might like Lloyd Flanders outdoor furniture.

Sunscreen

By now, everyone is using sunscreen, but there are so many kinds. If you’re active, you’d want a sunscreen that doesn’t wash off easily. And also, you might already know that you have to use a ridiculous amount of sunscreen if you’re outside for hours at a time.

Be a shade seeker

Look for trees, awnings, and shadows if you can find them. If you can’t find shade, you may need to make your own shade! Pack an umbrella in the car, along with sun protection, and of course wear your sun-protective clothing.

Did we mention window film?

Just to reiterate, window film is the way to go especially if you spend a lot of time near windows. It’s like giving your house sunglasses!

Which window film, though?

We’ve got answers to all your window film questions! Call us and we’ll brainstorm with you! Our CEO of Skin Protection is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Is it Time for Color Blocking with Window Film?

March 13, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’re a bold person, with lots of design experience using different textures, colors, and ideas, but would you use color blocking with window film? We believe it’s time to put this new design idea to work! It’s fun and cutting edge. Doesn’t that say it all?

Visual harmony

We like looking at what other people have done before we decide on anything, especially with colors. Here are a few ideas from YouTube (all shorts) to get you started:

Big, sweeping swathes of color

Oxford Dictionary defined color blocking in fashion and design as follows:

(in fashion and design) the use of contrasting blocks or panels of solid, typically bright color.”coral leather looked infinitely cool styled with a cobalt skirt—a modern lesson in colorblocking”

Your blocks o’ color might not always be diametrically opposed on the color wheel, but some people like to do that. So, for example, you might use yellow and purple to make the colors really pop. You might use two colors together that don’t ordinarily get mixed.

Color blocking rules

Color blocking is almost always bold and bright. There’s nothing subtle about color blocking. Also, there’s usually something BIG about color blocking. Using teensy-tinsy bits of color just won’t do. Speaking of bold and bright, you might like our previous bold and bright post about how window film can save you on your energy bills: Energy Savers for Spring.

Color block like a pro

It’s important that if you’re going to start color blocking, you have some confidence. At first, you might need to “fake it ’til you make it.” And remember, if you’re combining paint colors and window film, it’s easy to change paint colors. With 3M dichroic window film, you can have access to a range of colors, which shift in color as you change angles. For instance, Chill dichroic window film shifts the cool colors, while Blaze shifts the warm colors.

Deciding what to keep

When you’re working with color, you may need to simplify. Color blocking with nine different colors will just seem muddled in the end. Nobody wants that! So start with two or three colors, and move on from there. You can always add more color later! In the top photo, you can see how Blaze dichroic window film is paired with blue furniture, which makes both colors really pop!

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your window film questions–color blocking or otherwise! Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Chief Window Works Color Blocking CEO is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Window Film Energy Savers for Spring: Five Best

February 28, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you heard about all the ways window film can save you energy, but been afraid to take the leap? We understand the fear, but there’s a big payoff for you, too. If you’re a bit uncertain, spring forward (do you get that one?) and you’ll learn about some of the options.

Match the window film to your climate

It’s critical that your window film match your environment and climate. For example, people in Phoenix, Arizona mostly have to tackle extreme heat. So they’d want to choose window films that blocks solar gain. Whereas in colder climates they want to keep warmth in. For most of us in the San Francisco Bay Area, keeping temperatures moderate is probably the way to go. Our temperatures (outside the city of San Francisco, anyway!) are getting more extreme, though, with higher temperatures in the summer.

Combine window film with other energy cost savings

There are ways other than window film (gasp!) to make your home or office energy efficient. Check for leaks around doors and windows. Use fans for a cooling breeze in the summer and reverse the fan in the winter to keep the warmer air down. Make sure you’re using as much insulation as possible in your home or office, along with window film on your windows for the best savings. And did you know the Department of Energy gives tax credits for several energy devices? You can also schedule a home energy audit and get a discount! Here’s info on the Professional Home Energy Audit from the Department of Energy.

There are also the old-school ways, such as sleeping with large cats and dogs (our favorite!), pretending you’re snow camping, and wearing multiple layers of socks and long-sleeved shirts.

Choose professionals to install your window film

Have you seen your buddy’s windows, with the film all folded over and bubbly? Don’t let that be you! We often have to come in and uninstall window film that our clients have asked their cousins or uncles or sister’s friend’s grandpa to install. Don’t be like that! We’re professionals and we stand behind our work. We even have an article on how to prep for a home visit (from us–not from your Auntie B).

Use insulating window film

We are very excited to install insulating window film to help lower your energy costs. Big corporations have known how much they can save with window film and it’s about time that residential customers also discover the same savings! Check out our post on Climate Control Window Film.

Regular maintenance

Keeping your windows and window film clean and relatively dust-free will help your window film do its job. Just as you clean the appliances in your home, the windows should be maintained regularly. The people at This Old House have some ideas for keeping those windows clean!

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your questions! Unless they’re personal and then we’ll just pretend. Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Chief Window Works Energy Saving Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Protect Your Furnishings from Sun Damage?

February 14, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

It’s nearly springtime and the sun is getting brighter, so how do you protect your furnishings from sun damage? Window film can be applied to protect your furniture, rugs, and floors from harmful UV rays, especially in areas where large amounts of glass are used. But before you consider window film, think about all these other options!

Move all your furniture to the corner away from the windows

Just like a last-minute timeout during the Big Game, get all your furniture huddled in a corner. By the way, we’re very disappointed that the 49ers lost! But we’re hopeful for next year. Maybe your guests won’t be able to use the furniture, but at least the furniture will be protected, and that’s what really counts! Right? If anyone asks why you’re putting your furniture in the corner tell them that “sitting is the new smoking!” They’ll buy that!

Rotate your cushions

Put a reminder in your calendar to rotate the cushions every so often. Is once a day too much? We think not! Another added benefit? Instant upper body workout! While you’re at it, you could also rotate your couches so the one closest to the windows moves to the back and vice-versa. Your friends and neighbors will think you’re studying to be an interior designer with the way you’re always moving your cushions and furniture around.

Use blackout curtains

Now we can already hear some of you saying “but they’re so ugly!” or “we moved here for the view!” But think about it: blackout curtains could eliminate some of the damage to your furnishings unless someone forgets and leaves them open. Then all bets are off.

You do have time to dust the blinds, don’t you? | Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Install louvered shutters

Again, louvered shutters aren’t always pretty. But they will protect your furnishings from UV rays! And while they need a lot of dusting, you have lots of extra time for that, don’t you? And, while you won’t have a view any more, your furnishings will be protected. And you’ll probably sleep more, since it will be dark all the time, since very little light will get in.

Big windows? Use window film for UV Protection

You’ve all seen your neighbor’s floors when they pull up the rug and the floor is a different color. Unless you want to bleach your floors, you need UV protection! And you’ve also seen discolored couches, including the cushions, and expensive Persian rugs damaged by UV rays. All joking aside, you really, really need window film! And we know just the people to cover those big windows! Ahem! See below.

Need sun protection for your furnishings?

We’ve got you covered! Call our Furnishings Protection Hotline and we’ll help you through choosing the best window film for your home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.